Here is how to cook tasty and authentic red beans and rice

For Louisiana natives, this dish is an absolute must-have. Fortunately, there is an easy recipe to follow to create that authentic Cajun taste.

This recipe may take some time to prepare, but the perfect blend of flavors at the end of it are well worth the wait required. The most difficult part will be having to smell all those glorious aromas before it's ready to eat!

With just 630 calories per serving, this dish is not only tasty, but also fairly healthy. It also consists of 24.2 g fat, 79.1 g carbohydrates, 24 g protein, 33 mg cholesterol, and 604 mg sodium.

You will need:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 pound dry kidney beans

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2 stalks celery, chopped

6 cups water

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried sage

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 pound andouille sausage, sliced

4 cups water

2 cups long grain white rice

Method:

Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.

Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.

Stir sausage into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice.